bobby flay

Sag Harbor has a new culinary Muse!

I thought I was done for the year but like Al Pacino in GODFATHER III, “they keep bringing me back!” I’m not sure who the “they” are but I guess it’s the fact this week has been so darn busy on the East End. It’s like July trying to find a parking space in any of the villages. So now back to the news… good news folks… the former JLX Bistro/Pommes Cafe

(I had to use JLX because I don’t think anyone knew the Pommes Cafe) will soon be taken over by the folks behind MUSE in Water Mill. Chef Chef Matthew Guiffrida will be bringing his unique and diverse menu to one of the best locations in Sag Harbor. Let’s just hope he brings his amazing fondue… YES FONDUE… from MUSE to the new location. Yeah, I know fondue is not something that will help me win any “hard body” contest!

Located on the end of Main St., the space has gone through several incarnations over the past few years. But I think it has more to do with bad management than it being a bad location. Besides, if anyone can make this work I’m convinced Guiffrida can do it. I’ve always loved MUSE but since I live in East Hampton, found the trek to Water Mill a little much especially in the summer. So, I’m thrilled he’s taking over this space in Sag Harbor. In fact, I asked Matthew if he’ll be doing any of his cooking classes in Sag Harbor and he said, yes! He also told me his menu will be similar to that of MUSE but with a few more pasta and seafood dishes added.

Speaking of the man behind the stove, Matthew Guiffrida if any one of my friends who still works in television reads this blog, take note! Who was one of the first people to give Bobby Flay a gig on TV?! You’re right, it was ME! Well let me tell you Guiffrida should be your next food segment booking. I went to his cooking class and not only was it an amazing night of food and wine… LOTS OF WINE ACTUALLY… but Matthew is charming, funny and fast. He should be doing television! Matthew good luck with the new place and make sure we get invited to that opening hopefully this March!

Now for a little bit of bad news. It seems the restaurant that was the BEACH HOUSE is no longer. What started out in my opinion one of the best new restaurants of Summer 2011 has become a victim of the off season blues. According to owner Michael Gluckman, he may be back in another

incarnation soon. I’m hoping so and I’m also hoping the new restaurant serves what I thought was some of the best TUNA TAR TARE around. Ok, hopefully I’m done… and done with blogging about food. I’m going back to the gym this afternoon and hopefully I’ll blog more about working out in 2012!!! Wish me luck!

I’ll be spinning and posting this morning… if you care?

In the meantime… here’s the info on a great event! I just hope there are no carbs!?

The culinary world’s finest gather again to keep the name and spirit alive of their friend and colleague Steven Scher, who passed away in December of 2008. On July 13, 2009, an impressive roster of the country’s most revered chefs roll up their sleeves to participate in a walk around tasting where guests will be able to sample signature delicacies and rub elbows with their favorite stars from the restaurant and food tv world.

All the participants have a special place in their hearts for the late restaurateur and are enthusiastic about raising funds to benefit the James Beard Foundation and the scholarship for aspiring restaurateurs that bears Steven Scher’s name.

The evening will be filled with surprises as celebrities and luminaries from the restaurant world–many of whom have graciously donated dinner and other packages to the silent auction–drop by to personally support this most worthwhile cause. A live auction with unique and exciting offerings will also take place. Travel packages to Las Vegas and a NYC Wine and Food Festival package generously donated by Lee Brian Schrager, promise to get the crowd bidding. Other hot-ticket items include dinner prepared by a top chef in the home of the highest bidder and a coveted, rarely available table at Raos. Chefs for Scher will be the number one food event this summer, and we know Steve wouldn’t have it any other way.

The event begins with a VIP hour at 6:30pm and general public from 7:30 to 10:30pm.

Live auction at 9pm; Silent Auction throughout the evening.

Per person ticket pricing is:
$225 for VIP
$150 for general admission
Any amount over $100 is 100% tax-deductible.

Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/68111
or by phone at: 1.800.838.3006.

A list of participating chefs is below. Please check back for additions and changes:

Host Chef Laurent Tourondel of BLT Restaurants
Chef Franklin Becker of Abe & Arthur’s
Chef Ed Brown of Eighty-One
Chef Scott Conant of Scarpetta
Chef John DeLucie of The Waverly Inn
Chef Bobby Flay of Mesa Grill, Bar Americain, Bobby’s Burger Palace
Chef John Fraser of Dovetail
Chef Alex Garcia of Calle Ocho
Chef Michael Bao Huynh of BarBao
Chef Stephen Kalt of Epicurean Concepts
Chef Elizabeth Katz of B.R. Guests Restaurants
Chef Marc Murphy of Landmarc
Chef Paul Liebrandt of Corton
Chef Nancy Olson of Gramercy Tavern
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Jean-Georges, Matsugen, Perry St, Spice Market…

with sommelier Jean-Luc Le Du of Le Du’s wines

Notes
The Bowery Hotel is located in downtown Manhattan at 335 Bowery between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Sts. Entry to this event is to the right of the hotel main entrance.

If you cannot attend Chefs for Scher but would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Steven Scher Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Restaurateurs please call the James Beard Foundation at 212.675.4984 and ask to be connected to Special Giving. Make sure to mention the scholarship name when making your donation.

For donations by mail, make your checks payable to the James Beard Foundation and write “Chefs for Scher” in the notes. Remember to include your telephone number and/or email address. Contributions and all correspondence can be mailed to:

Chefs for Scher
P.O. Box 21096
Brooklyn, NY 11202-1096

Tickets & Donations are non-refundable.